Commas & Semicolons

Front

What is the primary function of a comma in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, separate items in a list, and clarify meaning.

Front

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, without using a conjunction.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause to provide meaning.

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list, typically before the conjunction (and, or) that precedes the last item.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with coordinating conjunctions?

Back

When joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), a comma should precede the conjunction.

Front

What is the purpose of using a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

A comma is used after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause, helping to clarify the sentence structure.

Front

When should you not use a comma before 'and' in a list?

Back

You do not use a comma before 'and' in a list if the items are simple and do not require additional clarification.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

Front

How can semicolons be used in complex lists?

Back

Semicolons can be used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas, to avoid confusion.